{"title":"Bezel","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"bezel-chardonnay","title":"Bezel Chardonnay","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBezel Chardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e is a San Luis Obispo Coast Chardonnay from the Cakebread family, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. It earned 91 points from James Suckling, who highlighted its bright acidity and creamy texture — a reflection of the cool-climate Edna Valley growing conditions that define this label.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: San Luis Obispo Coast, California  |  Varietal: Chardonnay  |  Producer: Cakebread Family (Bezel)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBezel is a project from the Cakebread family, one of Napa Valley's most recognized winemaking dynasties, though this label focuses entirely on California's San Luis Obispo Coast. The Chardonnay is fermented and aged using 20% new French oak and 2% acacia wood, with only minimal malolactic fermentation employed to preserve the wine's natural energy and citrus-driven freshness. Coopers are carefully selected to ensure the oak program complements rather than overwhelms the fruit, and grapes are harvested at optimum flavor ripeness — a deliberate choice that keeps acidity lively while allowing textural richness to develop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with lemon confit and grilled pineapple before shifting to toasted nuts and brioche. Beneath those primary notes sits a steely minerality layered with light marzipan and apple juice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On the palate, the entry is bright with lemon zest and Granny Smith apple, giving way to juicy pear and lime curd at mid-palate. A creamy, medium-to-full body builds toward salted popcorn and warm vanilla spice at its peak, all kept in check by a firm spine of acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish carries moderate length with lingering grapefruit pith and a faint toasted almond note. The acidity stays present through the close, keeping the wine refreshing rather than heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Bezel Chardonnay\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe chilled to around 50–55°F in a wide-bowled white wine glass, which allows the layered aromatics to open fully. This Chardonnay is compelling on its own but also brings enough structure and citrus character for wine-forward mixed drinks. A \u003cstrong\u003eWhite Wine Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e benefits from the wine's bright acidity cutting through the soda and aperitif bitterness. In a \u003cstrong\u003eFrench 75\u003c\/strong\u003e variation (substituting Chardonnay for Champagne), the creamy texture and lemon notes mirror the cocktail's classic profile. A simple \u003cstrong\u003eWine Cooler\u003c\/strong\u003e built with sparkling water and a citrus twist showcases Bezel's natural freshness without masking its complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners where you want California Chardonnay that doesn't lean overly oaky\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine-curious friend who appreciates the Cakebread family name\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSummer patio sipping when crisp, mineral-driven whites are in demand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a seafood-focused dinner party with versatile food-pairing needs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Bezel Chardonnay taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bezel Chardonnay leads with lemon zest, Granny Smith apple, and lime curd, supported by a creamy texture with vanilla spice and salted popcorn undertones. Bright acidity drives the wine from start to finish, keeping it energetic despite its medium-to-full body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Bezel Chardonnay compare to McIntyre Winemaker Series Chardonnay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines scored 91 points and sit in a similar price tier, but Bezel leans into citrus brightness and restrained oak through its 20% new French oak program, while McIntyre emphasizes Central Coast vineyard character from Monterey County. The two share a cool-climate freshness, though Bezel's minimal malolactic fermentation gives it a tighter, more energetic profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Bezel Chardonnay good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the balanced acidity, creamy mouthfeel, and layered citrus-to-brioche aromatics make it well-suited to drinking without food. Serving it lightly chilled brings out the mineral backbone and keeps the texture refreshing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Bezel Chardonnay made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bezel Chardonnay is produced from grapes grown on the San Luis Obispo Coast in California's Edna Valley region, a cool-climate area known for fog influence and long hang times. The wine is a project of the Cakebread family, whose primary estate is based in Napa Valley's Rutherford district.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Bezel Chardonnay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roasted chicken with lemon and herbs mirrors the wine's citrus aromatics. Grilled halibut or sea bass works with the creamy texture and mineral finish. A crab cake or lobster roll echoes the salted, buttery notes. Aged Gruyère or Comté complements the toasted nut and brioche character. A simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and lemon vinaigrette plays off the wine's acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Bezel Chardonnay come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bezel Chardonnay is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Bezel Chardonnay worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bezel positions as a premium everyday Chardonnay that punches above its weight, with a 91-point James Suckling score lending credibility against bottles priced well above this range. The Cakebread family pedigree and thoughtful oak program add perceived and actual value at this tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Bezel Chardonnay?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this wine from the crowded California Chardonnay field is its disciplined restraint. The decision to use only 20% new French oak with a small percentage of acacia — and to limit malolactic fermentation — preserves a citrus-forward freshness that many similarly priced SLO Coast whites sacrifice for richness. The 91-point score from James Suckling validates the approach, placing Bezel alongside more established Central Coast producers. For anyone seeking a Chardonnay that balances creamy texture with genuine acidity and minerality, the Cakebread family's SLO Coast project delivers exactly that without excess.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bezel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45273646071977,"sku":"40576","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/BezelChardonnay.webp?v=1739494255"},{"product_id":"bezel-cabernet-sauvignon","title":"Bezel Cabernet Sauvignon","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBezel Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml format, produced by a sister label of Cakebread Cellars. Scoring 92 points from Tasting Panel and 91 points from both Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling, this Central Coast red has earned critical attention for its balance of ripe fruit intensity and structural finesse.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Paso Robles, California  |  Varietal: 97.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% Cabernet Franc, 0.8% Petit Verdot, 0.5% Malbec  |  Producer: Cakebread Cellars (Bezel label)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBezel is a label created under the umbrella of Cakebread Cellars, the respected Napa Valley estate founded in 1973. Where Cakebread's flagship wines draw from Napa fruit, Bezel turns to Paso Robles on California's Central Coast, sourcing from two vineyards at opposite ends of the AVA with distinctly different growing conditions. One is a high-desert site where extreme diurnal temperature swings build tannic structure and preserve acidity; the other sits against the southern tip of the Santa Lucia Range, contributing plush, generous fruit with a classic herbal edge. The blend—97.2% Cabernet Sauvignon with small additions of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec—is aged for 14 months in 26% new French oak barrels, allowing the oak to season the wine without overwhelming its dual-vineyard character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blackcurrants and wild blackberries emerge first, followed by layers of tobacco leaf, dried herbs, and a subtle minerality. A faint trace of bay leaf adds aromatic complexity beneath the dark fruit core.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is plush with ripe black and red fruit, giving way to a mid-palate of mulberries, dark chocolate, and cedar. Medium to full-bodied, the wine carries fine-grained tannins and balanced acidity that keep the richness in check, with mocha undertones building through the peak.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderately long, with lingering notes of black plum, tobacco, and bittersweet chocolate. The tannins resolve smoothly, leaving a clean, slightly herbal impression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Bezel Cabernet\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine shows well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with 20–30 minutes of breathing time, either poured into a large-bowled glass or briefly decanted. For cocktail and mixed-drink applications: a \u003cstrong\u003eCabernet Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e benefits from its dark fruit depth and herbal spice; a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola) plays off its chocolate and plum sweetness in a refreshing, casual format; and a \u003cstrong\u003eNew York Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e floated with Bezel adds a richly layered, berry-forward top note to the whiskey base.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight steak dinners where you want quality without opening a reserve-tier bottle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to someone who appreciates Cakebread but wants to explore their broader portfolio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA blind tasting lineup of Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a cellar-friendly California Cab collection at an accessible price point\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Bezel Cabernet taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bezel Cabernet Sauvignon is medium to full-bodied with dominant flavors of black plum, dark chocolate, mulberries, and cedar, supported by fine tannins and balanced acidity. Dried herb and tobacco undertones add savory complexity to the ripe fruit profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Bezel Cabernet compare to Josh Cellars Hearth Cabernet Sauvignon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are California Cabernets positioned at a similar price tier, but Bezel draws specifically from Paso Robles fruit and carries the pedigree of Cakebread Cellars' winemaking team. Bezel tends toward more structured tannins and herbal complexity, while Josh Cellars Hearth leans into softer, rounder fruit from a multi-region California blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Bezel Cabernet good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its balanced acidity, fine tannins, and layered flavor profile make it well-suited for drinking on its own, particularly with a brief decant or 20 minutes of air in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Bezel Cabernet made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bezel Cabernet Sauvignon is produced in Paso Robles, a prominent AVA on California's Central Coast, using fruit sourced from two vineyards at opposite ends of the appellation. It is made under the direction of Cakebread Cellars, which is headquartered in Rutherford, Napa Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Bezel Cabernet?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled ribeye steak mirrors its dark fruit and tannic grip. Braised short ribs complement its chocolate and cedar tones. Aged cheddar or Gruyère echo the wine's savory depth. Lamb chops with a rosemary crust play off its herbal notes. Dark chocolate truffles extend the mocha character found on the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Bezel Cabernet come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bezel Cabernet Sauvignon is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Bezel Cabernet worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bezel positions as an accessible, everyday-premium Cabernet Sauvignon that punches above its weight thanks to the winemaking expertise behind Cakebread Cellars and the quality of its Paso Robles fruit. With scores of 91–92 points from major critics, it delivers strong value within the competitive California Cabernet category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Bezel Cabernet?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates Bezel from the crowded field of California Cabernets is the deliberate tension built into every bottle: two vineyards, two microclimates, one cohesive wine. The high-desert site delivers structure and acidity while the Santa Lucia Range vineyard brings generous fruit and herbal nuance—a dual-source approach that gives the wine more dimension than most single-vineyard or broad-appellation bottlings at this level. Backed by Cakebread Cellars' five decades of winemaking experience and validated by scores from Wine Enthusiast, James Suckling, and Tasting Panel, Bezel makes a credible case as one of the stronger values in Paso Robles Cabernet today.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bezel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45273646891177,"sku":"40575","price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/BezelCabernetSauvignon.webp?v=1739494096"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/bezel.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}